The next generation of kind leaders
Our fall 2017 interns talk kindness in analytics, research and development.
Cultivating a kinder world begins with our day-to-day actions. When we brought in our first class of interns in fall 2017, we wanted to make sure they felt welcomed and enriched by their experience. After an immersive orientation, Divia Joseph, Michael Bryer, Jae Huang and Alexandria Henke jumped right in and began making valuable contributions to our work. Through their eyes, we learned with them as they sought to understand the relationship of kindness to their chosen fields and interests.
Here’s what they had to say:
Divia Joseph: Development and Research Intern
Working with kindness.org has without a doubt opened up my eyes to the small things I would have overlooked in everyday life. For instance, during my commute home from work, I noticed that if someone gave up his or her seat to someone else, it would inspire another person to do the same. I saw how it started conversations and encouraged openness between strangers. It helped me realize the greater impact these small acts would have on a person’s day and society as a whole.
On the idea of institutionalizing kindness
I think the research field is actually founded on a kind principle of wanting to improve society through innovation and inquiry. However, sometimes certain pressing questions that need answers never get studied because they do not represent a financial gain or shock value that garners attention. Perhaps institutionalizing kindness itself as a benefit to society can abridge this gap.
Michael Bryer: Development Intern
The ways that kindness can be created, shared and understood are constantly growing, and making kindness a more accessible choice makes a world of difference. One of the most important lessons I learned while working with kindness.org is that kindness is both universal and highly personal. Identifying the ways you can choose and inspire kindness requires challenging moments of reflection and courage, but is an important step for creating a healthy self as well as healthy communities.
On kindness in development
The kinder people are and the more they wish to help others leads to people donating their time, resources and emotions to come together and make an impactful change. Without kindness, it is virtually impossible to convince people to be a part of your organization’s work.
Jae Huang: Analytics Intern
Before I joined this team, kindness was an abstract concept to me that could hardly apply to quantitative research. But throughout this internship, I was surprised that there are many metrics to measure it. By breaking down the concept of kindness and asking questions about its many aspects, the fact that kindness can influence people’s lives is more self-evident.
On kindness in the field of data and analytics
I think that kindness impacts the data and analytics field, and that data and analytics also impact kindness.While analytics helps to prove kindness, a kind heart also helps analysts to think with a wider vision.
Alexandria Henke: Research Intern
Working with kindness.org has made me more aware of the gravity of small acts. Seeing smiles and compliments quantified and analyzed in research really highlighted how significant daily acts can be. I am more aware of how I interact with people, no matter how small the timeframe or minuscule the adjustment. I’m also much more aware of kindness in others.
On the importance of bringing kindness into the research lab
Studies have shown how feeling appreciated and fairly treated can add significant productivity and problem solving skills to professional settings, specifically in small groups. Choosing kindness, even when on a deadline or after repeated failure, is extremely difficult—but that much more important to the process.
We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Divia, Michael, Jae and Ali! Thank you so much for all of your hard work.
Interested in a future internship with our organization? Follow us on social media for job announcements.
